Below is the New Version of “Procedures in Handling Sexual Violence Cases”.
Report
Anyone wishing to make a report to Police may do so by calling “999” for urgent matters, or by calling or attending the Report Room of a Police Station or reporting directly to any Police Officer.
Prior to making a report, do not clean or throw away the victim’s clothes or touch other evidence. If the victim has wiped or cleaned himself / herself, do not discard any tissues or cloth the victim may have used.
The victim should try to clearly remember what happened and inform the police of the full facts. e.g. the identity or appearance of the assailant or any items left by the assailant.
Once a report has been received, depending upon the circumstances of the case, appropriate action will be taken at the scene and follow-up enquires carried out.
At the Scene
Medical services will be arranged immediately if required.
Uniformed Branch Officers and/or detectives may attend the scene.
Scene of crime experts may attend the scene, collect fingerprints, take photographs and obtain forensic evidence if necessary.
If the victim / parent / guardian consent, forensic evidence may be collected by qualified forensic experts. Parents / guardians may accompany the victim.
A police photographer may take photographs of injuries.
Follow-up Enquiries
The victim and other witnesses will be asked to give formal statements. The victim will be interviewed by an officer of the same sex as the victim.
The victim may be invited to assist in composing a drawing of the suspect or in viewing photographs of suspects if necessary.
With victim’s consent, a referred will be made to the Social Welfare Department in order that he / she may receive their specialized crisis intervention and after care.
The victim will be informed of the progress of the investigation and case result.
If an arrest is made, the victim may be required to attend an identification parade. A one-way mirror identification parade room may be used.
The victim may need to attend court and give evidence. Depending on the circumstances , a victim may give evidence by video recording, live television link, from behind a screen or in open court.
The victim will be notified about the progress of the investigation and case result.
Useful Information
Information on the services provided by CEASE Crises Centre, the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme and the Victim’s Charter is available at the following websites:-
Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation (CLEIC) Scheme
Victim’s Charter